I hope you all enjoyed the holiday season and are ready to face a fresh new year, brimming with possibility!

I would like to thank those of you who turned to me for your real estate needs in the past year, and wish you much joy in your new homes.

I would also like to thank those of you who offered referrals: Surangani Mudaligae, Mario Macias, Yasa Rasakhoo, Hiran & Roshi Wirekoon, and Victor Poblete. I always appreciate these expressions of gratitude and the confidence in my ability to match my clients with the perfect home. In return, I give back to the global community by sponsoring an orphaned Tsunami victim in Sri Lanka for each referral I receive. Thank you for allowing me to help these unfortunate children obtain the care and education they need to change their lives.

If you or someone you know is interested in utilizing my real estate knowledge and services, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Great Conditions For Home BuyersTake a moment to consider these facts:

There are currently 3.75 million homes for sale. Inventories in recent months have been at record levels, offering consumers the greatest choice in decades. However, inventory levels are falling, and the selection of homes will become limited once again.

Interest rates haven't been this low for nearly 40 years.

The average home value increased by 88 percent over the last ten years. In the decade to come, the number of households is expected to increase by 15 percent, which keeps housing in high demand.

Community Property with Right of Survivorship has the same attributes as the traditional community property form of title but, like joint tenancy, has the additional attribute of the right of survivorship.

When a husband and wife hold title as Community Property with Right of Survivorship, the full interest in the property will vest, by law, in the surviving spouse immediately upon the death of the first spouse. Title insurers will be able to vest title free and clear of the deceased spouse’s interest merely by the recordation of an affidavit similar to the one used to clear the interest of a deceased joint tenant.

The survivorship feature will, in most instances, avoid the lengthy escrow delays caused by probate proceedings and other legal actions often associated with the traditional community property form of title. Spouses will also have the ability to unilaterally sever the right of survivorship in the same manner that a joint tenancy is severed. Severance of the right of survivorship may result in the property being vested in the traditional community property form.

As with any form of title, there are tax and other legal consequences that must be considered by husbands and wives choosing to take new title in the new form. The decision to take title in the form of Community Property with Right of Survivorship should not be made until parties have consulted with their attorney and tax advisor.

Divide potatoes between two 12 x 8 x 2-inch baking dishes. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange corn and green pepper over potatoes in each casserole. Layer theonion, then the carrots in each. Crumble the beef evenly over the vegetables and then sprinkle with more salt and pepper. Pat gently to smooth. Top each casserole with tomato sauce.

Bake, covered, at 350º for 2 hours.

Uncover, sprinkle with cheese and let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.